In this section
Information for professionals
The Parent Toddler Service continues the Anna Freud Centre tradition of applying psychoanalytic principles to offer families specialist, but easily accessible, help in supporting child development at this important stage. The Service provides toddler groups that are open to all toddlers and their parents, and at the same time works with disadvantaged families in the locality and adapts to the particular needs of these families. The Service also trains allied practitioners in the attachment focused model of the AFC.
Toddler groups for children aged 1-3.5 years
The overarching aim of the parent-toddler groups is to promote the toddler’s development in all areas of his or her personality. The groups support the parent-child attachment relationship and foster the child’s development though playing and talking. The setting and trained staff provide a consistent and safe environment for the parent and toddler to allow them to explore ongoing concerns, as well as strengthen their relationship. Staff support the parents by recognising their feelings and helping them feel understood. Parents who feel valued, understood and supported, become more emotionally available to their own children. Creative play and playfulness between parent and child are central to a small child’s health as it fosters the awareness that parent and toddler have different minds, thoughts and feelings, and allows these to be safely communicated and explored.
The small, informal groups meet weekly for one and a half hours. There are three weekly parent-toddler groups: two in a purpose-built building at the Anna Freud Centre and one in a Camden Hostel (England’s Lane). The Toddler groups at the AFC provide an observation setting for UCL-AFC MSc students learning about child development. The toddler group at England Lane’s caters for hostel’s residents, many of whom have experienced dislocation and trauma and have the opportunity for a positive attachment experience in the group.
Referrals
Common reasons for referral or self referral are when the toddler has troubles sleeping or eating, mother and toddler have difficulty separating from each other, feel isolated, frustrated or angry, there are developmental delays or concerns.
If you would like to make a referral, please contact Natalie Merrett on +44 (0)20 7443 2230 or email natalie.merrett@annafreud.org
Training
The Parent Toddler Service runs an annual training
Tailored courses can also be designed for professionals who wish to learn about the model and/or develop it.
